Patient Portal

CHARLOTTE COUNTY, FL (May 01, 2020) – Patients who have delayed surgery or other non-emergency procedures can now work with their physician to secure care as Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Bayfront Health Punta Gorda resume some outpatient elective services starting Monday, May 4, 2020.

Numerous precautions for infection prevention, access control, social distancing and patient flow are in place to maintain a safe environment of care. Everyone who enters each hospital, including staff, is screened, and all employees, physicians and patients are expected to wear masks. The daily number of procedures performed is being limited and appropriate social distancing will be upheld. Cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces and caregiving spaces has been intensified. Visitor restrictions for inpatients remain in effect, with exceptions for laboring mothers, pediatric patients, NICU patients and end-of-life situations.

“As we begin once again to offer elective procedures, which were delayed by Executive Order of the Governor, our physicians and staff are working diligently to keep every patient safe, as we provide for their healthcare needs,” said Christopher Constance, M.D., Bayfront Health Punta Gorda Chief of Staff. “It is important to schedule healthcare procedures that have been delayed, efficiently and effectively, so our patients’ health conditions do not further deteriorate. With everyone’s safety and well-being in mind, we also want to remind them that it is imperative to seek immediate help in an emergency department for serious health emergencies like chest pain, heart attacks, strokes and other life-threatening conditions.”

Patients scheduling surgery or other invasive procedures will be tested for COVID-19 in advance of the procedure. The hospitals are closely monitoring inventory of test kits, personal protective equipment, medications and other needed supplies to ensure sufficient resources to support the number of patients in care.

“Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our patients’ and caregivers’ health and safety have been our primary concern,” said Tim Cerullo, CEO. “We are ramping up strategically to ensure safety for everyone. Patients can be assured that we are taking every precaution to protect them.”

Both Bayfront Health Port Charlotte and Bayfront Health Punta Gorda’s plan to restart elective procedures, in consultation with members of their board of trustees, medical executive committee and surgical leadership, follows all local, state and federal guidelines.

To help answer patients’ questions about seeking care, a list of frequently asked questions has been added to the hospital’s patients and visitors page.